Is silica good for skin?

byPerry Romanowski

Margot must know…I’m wondering if skin would benefit from topical silica, and if so, in what ways. I know its touted as being great for hair and nails, and I’ve even read claims that it can help heal acne and plump up skin (when ingested). A little poking around the internet also lead me to believe that maybe skin might see benefits from topical application, and I was wondering if you guys might be able to tell me whether or not that was true.

The Beauty Brains respond:

What’s the scoop on silica?

Silica (aka silicon dioxide) is a trace mineral which is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, skin, tendons, blood vessels, nails and hair. As with other trace minerals if your diet is deficient in the material then you may benefit from taking dietary supplements. But you don’t need much of it and if you get enough there’s no benefit to taking more.

What about topical application?

Rubbing silica on your hair, skin and nails won’t provide any benefit. That’s because silica is involved in the metabolism of collagen which occurs in the deep in the dermis. Silica will not work the same way when rubbed on your skin – the metabolic pathways just don’t work that way. (It’s kind of like saying that calcium is important for strong bones so I’ll rub calcium on my legs to make my femur stronger.)

In fact, if anything, rubbing silica on your skin will make it WORSE. That’s because silica is a desiccant meaning it will pull moisture out of your skin. That’s the last thing you want to do!

The Beauty Brains bottom line

If you have any reason to believe that your diet is deficient in silica then you may benefit from taking supplements. But rubbing it on your skin is a waste of time and may do more harm than good.

It appears that the Makeup Forever product is 100% silica. I see that some people do complain about it drying their skin. Maybe it’s not so bad because it’s used as a finishing product so it used on top of other products and is therefore less drying? I dunno.

It can be drying if used without a dimethicone/silicone primer but if used properly is suitable for all skin types. Even dry skin types can benefit and appear more hydrated when using Make Up Forever HD Powder.

Silica in artistry products such as finishing powders give texture a smoother appearance.

Where as talc adds to the appearance of texture, lines and pores silica mutes the appearance of texture, lines and pores.

As a makeup artist for Film and Photo silica is a must have for HD cameras. The use of Silica became popular for the masses outside of the industry when women noticed that not only did silica refine the appearance of texture on film but also in sunlight and in their every day lives.

Silica is a simple optical illusion but one that gives a beautiful finish that looks natural and soft.

To avoid dehydration, simply ensure that you are applying a makeup primer. Dimethicones and silicones ensure that the finely grained silica does not interact with your skin’s integrity.

Another option to get the same finish is to use a product with a hybrid of sericite mica and aluminum hydroxide coated mica.